Workplace German Language Integration in Nigerian Manufacturing Firms with German Partnerships in Ondo State

This study examines the integration of German language skills in the workplace practices of manufacturing firms in Ondo State, South West Nigeria, that maintain active technical partnerships with German engineering and equipment companies. Ondo State's emerging industrial sector includes several agro-processing and construction materials manufacturers that have sourced plant and machinery from German suppliers, often accompanied by technical transfer agreements requiring sustained German-Nigerian interaction. The study adopts a qualitative case study design, selecting five manufacturing firms from the Ore Industrial Estate and Akure metropolis for investigation. Data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with 35 production managers, technical officers, and training coordinators, supplemented by analysis of technical partnership documentation. Findings reveal that German is most commonly encountered during installation and commissioning phases of German-supplied equipment, after-sales technical support interactions, and factory audits by German partner companies. Firms that have invested in staff German language training report reduced dependence on expatriate technical support and faster resolution of equipment-related issues. The study develops a practical model for workplace German language integration applicable to Nigerian manufacturing contexts and recommends government support for industry-led language training initiatives. Keywords: German language, manufacturing firms, workplace integration, Ondo State, technical partnerships.